The federal minister for railways has warned that the political situation in the country has entered a dangerous phase and the political forces may pay a heavy price for chaos and anarchy.
“People bereft of [political] vision cannot see that politics has entered dangerous stages, in which anything can happen. Chaos and anarchy will cost the political forces dearly,” Sheikh Rashid said on Saturday while addressing a press conference in Punjab’s provincial capital.
The minister was apparently referring to the ongoing political crisis whipped up by the protest movement started last month by an 11-party alliance, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), with the avowed aim to dislodge the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
In the PDM rallies, leaders of some opposition parties – particularly the PML-N and JUI-F – have harshly criticized the military establishment for bringing the PTI into power through “rigged polls” in 2018.
Talking with reference to the crisis, Rashid said the political situation is worsening.
“People are giving precedence to politics over the state. Fighting with political opponents is your right but fighting with the state is a transgression.
“If you want to fight politically, then [Prime Minister] Imran Khan is ready to confront you, but a fight with the state will have dangerous results,” he added.
The minister also commented on a controversial statement of a PML-N leader Ayaz Sadiq with regard to release of an Indian pilot whose fighter jet was downed by the Pakistan Air Force after it violated the country’s airspace in February last year.
“Indians are overjoyed by the statement of Ayaz Sadiq. Everyone knows that Sadiq has spoken for the first time in 23 years. The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG [director general] had to say that the military is infuriated by the statement,” he said.
The minister, however, insisted that despite this situation, democracy is not under threat.
“Neither the country is inching closer to marshal’s law or a presidential form of government; nor is Imran Khan going to dissolve the assemblies. Imran Khan will emerge victorious from these crises. Despite these difficult times, the army is the caretaker of democracy,” he said.
Rashid said the door for dialogues should never be slammed in the face of the opponents.
“Dialogues and talks are a hallmark of political parties. If the PPP and the PML-N can join hands then the ruling PTI and the PML-N can also talk. We are supposed to take the country forward. Things [in politics] will become cleared in three months,” he added.
More passenger trains
The railways minister announced plans to introduce 10 new passenger trains in the system.
“Shaheen train would start from Sunday between Sialkot and Wazirabad and Chaman Express would be plied between Quetta and Chaman on a daily basis from November 10.
“Mohenjo-Daro Express is being restored between Sukkur and Kotri from November 10 whereas Kohat Express between Rawalpindi and Kohat is being restored from November 30. The Railcar between Rawalpindi and Lahore is also being restored which used to run at 4:30 pm," he added.
He said three more new trains would be introduced on the public private partnership (PPP) basis and tenders of these trains would be opened on November 12.
Rashid said Ravi Express, Waris Shah Express and Marvi Passenger are being privatised. “After these trains, 15 to 20 trains would be run on the PPP basis.
WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP
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